Author Archives: VBR

Silva Heads Mission EDC

Government News Comments
Mission EDC Board, left to right, Vice President Richard Hernandez, President S. David Deanda, Catherine Garcia, Mission EDC CEO Daniel Silva, Mayor Armando O’Caña, Mario Garza and Secretary Pete Jaramillo

Daniel Silva is the new chief executive officer of the Mission Economic Development Corporation. Silva’s primary responsibilities are creating jobs and economic opportunity in Mission. Silva’s 14 years of economic development experience includes that of Mission EDC’s chief operating officer for seven years. He holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration in Computer Information Systems as well as a master’s in Public Administration. Both degrees are from the UT-Pan American (UTRGV). “I appreciate…

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Survey Shows Strong Support for Port of Brownsville

Featured News Comments
Cargo coming into the Port of Brownsville feeds the Valley economy, such as this load of windmill components for the expanding wind farm industry. (Port of Brownsville)

The Port of Brownsville recently conducted its first public opinion survey of port tenants, logistics, stakeholders and other service personnel. The findings revealed that 95 percent of respondents view the port favorably. Additionally, 57 percent of respondents planning to increase their port business activity in the next year. Overall, 94 percent of respondents stating the port is vital in creating a positive impact in the U.S. economy. “The Port of Brownsville’s…

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Edinburg Chamber Honors Local Leaders

e-Brief Features Events News Comments
Jennifer Garza, Bay and Thelma Rex, Janet Vackar, Michael Luna, Agustin Lozano Jr. and Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Interim Executive Director Ronnie Larralde

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce recently held its 86th annual awards banquet with more than 150  local business and community leaders in attendance. Receiving recognition were the 2018 Man and Woman of the Year Robert and Janet Vackar of Bert Ogden Auto Group. “We want to thank the Vackars for their endless efforts not only to the Edinburg community but to the entire Rio Grande Valley,” said Interim Executive Director Ronnie Larralde.…

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Texas Unemployment Rate Hits Historic Low

e-Brief Features News Comments
unemployment down

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.7 percent in October, down from 3.8 percent in September 2018. This is the lowest level since the state unemployment data series began in January 1976. In addition, the Brownsville-Harlingen MSA fell to 5.2 percent, down .7 from September and .8 from October 2017. McAllen-Ediburg Mission also posted low numbers at 5.5 percent. This is down from 6.2 percent in September and 5.9 percent…

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Weslaco Citizens Receive Top Chamber Honors

Events News Comments
Krystal Palomino of Chick-fil-A, Scott Vaughan, Robert McAllen, Cynthia Cabaza, Toni Marbar and Bobby Calvillo

Scott Vaughan of Burton Auto Supply and Cynthia Cabaza of Shepard Walton King Insurance Group are Man and Woman of the Year, respectively, with awards from the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce. Also receiving honors are Robert McAllen with the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as Chick-fil-A of Weslaco with Business of the Year. Scott Vaughan In his nomination form, Vaughan is described as a true role model and an amazing person. Vaughan’s involvement in…

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Oil and Gas: How Important Is It In the RGV?

e-Brief Features Events Featured News Comments

The oil and gas industry in Texas is leading the nation. But just how is this booming industry powering the Rio Grande Valley? Statewide leaders, local representatives and industry advocates will answer this question and more at the Texas Oil and Gas Association Energy Summit Dec. 5 in Pharr. Speakers are set to address how important the industry in the region is to community success. The luncheon and discussion will…

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Edinburg Chamber Feeds Multiple Families

Featured News Comments
Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors, Staff and Board of Directors presenting Thanksgiving meals certificates to the Edinburg families. On Wednesday, November 14th, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce (ECOC) Ambassadors presented Thanksgiving meals to Edinburg families at the Saint Vincent De Paul Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors presented Thanksgiving meals to Edinburg families Nov. 14 at the Saint Vincent De Paul Center at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Chamber Ambassadors reached out to eleven families from the Edinburg Area by providing 11 prepared meals. These meals included turkey and all the fixings for their holiday. Making donations were the Chamber Ambassadors, Hidalgo- Starr County Medical Society, Rio Valley Realty, Best Western Plus…

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Local Small Businesses Receive $100,000

Featured Professional Services Retail Technology Comments
STED grant winners with Hidalgo County Commissioners Court members

Five businesses in small and rural communities in Hidalgo County are the recent recipients of funding to consequently spur prosperity in their respective communities. The funding comes from Hidalgo County’s first-ever Small Town Economic Development program with grants totaling $100,000. More than 40 businesses applied to the program with 21 chosen to participate. Businesses receiving $20,000 grants are Reybotics, Green Thumb Nursery, Cappadona Ranch, Ashley Nicole Boutique and Hernandez Barns. “This economic…

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Local Dentist Named Top in Texas

Featured Healthcare Comments
Dr. Jose L. Cazares Jr. holds up the proclamation of Dentist of the Year with Commissioners Court and his family. (courtesy)

Dr. Jose L. Cazares of McAllen Dental Associates is the 2018 Texas Dentist of the Year. The recognition comes from Commissioners Court during the Texas Academy Awards celebration in Austin. Cazares is the first dentist from the Rio Grande Valley to receive the award, the most prestigious honor a Texas dentist can receive. “I want to thank Commissioners Court for recognizing me, and for being pillars in the community,” said Cazares. “I’m proud to represent…

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Weslaco Chamber Names New Board

Education Featured News Retail Comments
Priscilla Canales, Travis McDaniel and Daniel Montez join the Weslaco Chamber board of directors.

Three new members are now part of the 2018-2019 Weslaco Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Joining current members are Superintendent of Weslaco ISD Priscilla Canales, Valley Trophies owner Travis McDaniel and South Texas College Mid Valley Campus Administrator Daniel Montez. Canales’s service in the interest of public schools in both large and mid-size school systems spans to 1991. Through the years, her various positions in education includes teacher, mentor, educational specialist, assistant principal and principal,…

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